July 22 was a gorgeous summer day, and the colourful banner on the gazebo at Confederation Park in Hawkesbury announced the happening of a joyful Pride Picnic. Many thanks are owed to sponsors, volunteers, attendees and members by the Groupe LGBTQ + alliés de Prescott-Russell LGBTQ + Allies Group for the success of its first pride event.
The group would like to recognize Lisa and Mark Henderson of Hillcrest Funeral Home and Rheal and Norma-Jean Laurin of Your Independent Grocer for their financial support.
Recognition also goes to Bruno Racine of The Loft in Ottawa and Jenn Kuo of Kuo Design for designing and donating our new banner; Dale Garvin and Manon Drouin for donating flags; Veronique Faubert and Linda Lanthier for providing health and education materials; and Eliot Waddingham for attending from Ottawa to represent the Canadian Centre for Gender & Sexual Diversity.
The recognition and support by letter of MP Francis Drouin and the attendance and support of Mayor Jeanne Charlebois and Councillor Johanne Portelance on behalf of the Town of Hawkesbury are most appreciated.
The group especially wishes to recognize Francis-Tessier-Burns, reporter and photographer, and Louise Sproule, publisher, of The Review for press coverage before and after the event. A thank you also goes to Cogeco for sending a photographer to cover the event.
Finally, the group sends kudos to the local residents who turned out to support and encourage and just enjoy a summer picnic. Thank you to all!
Eva Levesque on behalf of the Groupe LGBTQ + alliés de Prescott- Russell LGBTQ + Allies Group